The Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet’s 2024 Forecast released recently has indicated a likely delay in the onset of rains in 14 states across the country, particularly the North Central states.
According to NiMet’s 2024 Forecast, while some states, particularly those in the North Central region, may experience a normal onset of rains, others are expected to see delays. Notably, 14 states, including Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Ogun, are predicted to face a postponement in the start of the rainy season.
This disclosure comes from the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) documents presented to the public on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.
According to NiMet’s documents, normal onset is expected in the northern states, with Borno and Abia states predicted to experience an early onset compared to historical averages.
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Conversely, an early end to the rainy season is forecasted for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba, Gombe, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, and Lagos states.
NiMet further predicts below-normal annual rainfall amounts for parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Bauchi, Kano, Kebbi, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa states compared to long-term averages.
However, normal to above-normal rainfall is expected in other parts of the country.
Additionally, NiMet forecasts a shorter length of rainy season for most parts of Nigeria, while Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa-Ibom are likely to experience a longer rainy season compared to historical averages.
The agency also predicts normal to shorter lengths of the rainy season in other regions.
ALSO READ: NiMet predicts 3-day haziness, cloudiness
The SCP 2024 document, includes detailed temperature predictions for the first five months of the year, as well as forecasts for dry spells, little dry seasons, and predictions for diseases like Malaria and Meningitis.
These projections are accompanied by comprehensive analysis, focusing particularly on the socio-economic implications associated with each forecast.
